2009 IRTA Test 250 Class - Day 1 - Barbera Fastest In Afternoon

On the first day of testing at the official IRTA test at Jerez, it was Hector Barbera who finished the day fastest, with a fast lap in the dying minutes of the second afternoon session. The day had started overcast, but the afternoon saw sunnier skies and warmer temperatures. Rather strangely, most of the 250 men put in their fastest time in the cooler morning session, with the exception of Barbera.

Title favorites Alvaro Bautista and Marco Simoncelli finished second and third fastest, Simoncelli faster in the morning, while Bautista was quicker in the afternoon, despite both men going slower. Former 125 champion Gabor Talmacsi was also quick, staying with a couple of tenths of Barbera in the morning session, but giving up over half a second in the afternoon. Talmacsi has been consistently in touch with the title candidates, and could prove a challenge once he hits his stride in the class.

The other surprise package was Ratthapark Wilairot on the Thai Honda. The Thai rider was consistently in the points last year, and was 3rd quickest in the morning session, and not far off the two leaders. 

Mattia Pasini was not so lucky. The Team Toth rider had a huge crash in the afternoon, and banged up both himself and his Aprilia. Pasini was joined in the gravel traps by Russian rider Vladimir Leonov, who is building something of a reputation as a crasher, having crashed out of the Estoril test three times.

Testing continues tomorrow.

Session 2 times (afternoon session) 

Session 1 times (morning session)